[Gastric acidity during recovery from malnutrition].

Considering the importance gastric acidity shows on the regulation of the bacterial flora of the intestine, the investigation of the secretory function of the stomach in response to histamine in malnourished infants was set forth as a necessity. Weekly semilongitudinal studies were carried out during recovery in 15 infants complaining of severe malnutrition; in 5 cases, the study was practiced only once during the 4 weeks of investigation. The findings showed a poor secretory response during the early stage of recovery which gradually improved along the course of the dietetic treatment. Comparable values with those in normal infants are reached by the fourth week of receiving diets generous in proteins and calories.